Fraser High wrestler finishes runner-up at state finals

AUBURN HILLS — Fraser High senior Danny Pfeffer (145 pounds) capped off his high school career with a runner-up finish at the individual wrestling finals March 4 at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Novi Detroit Catholic Central’s Cameron Amine, who won a title last season in the 125-pound weight class, came away as the state champion.

Pfeffer finished 57-1 on the season.

It was Pfeffer’s first All-State finish, which is earned by wrestlers who place in the top eight.

Pfeffer kept his season in perspective, but was thinking about how things could have been better following his match.

"Halfway through my match, I realized where I went bad,” he said. “Now I’m realizing how I could’ve made it better, but it’s too late for that. … I’m a little upset I didn’t win, but he was a really good wrestler.”

Fraser coach Rick Julien said Pfeffer has good reason to walk away from his career with his head held high.

“He’s one of the hardest working kids I’ve ever been (privileged) to coach,” Julien said. “My son, (assistant coach) Kevin Julien, did a great job with him. … Nobody worked harder than Danny. … He made it to the finals. … He got beat by a better wrestler today.”

Pfeffer’s other accomplishments this season included winning a Macomb County title, as well as a regional championship.